Dragons sign Kiwi hooker Willis

Tom Willis is a vastly experienced hooker from New Zealand

Newport Gwent Dragons have signed former New Zealand hooker Tom Willis.

Willis, 29, joins fellow Kiwis, number eight Grant Webb and fly-half James Arlidge, as players with a background in Super 14 rugby to join the Dragons.

Lawyer Willis has more than 60 games' experience as player and captain for Waikato and the Chiefs and won five caps for the All Blacks in 2001-02.

Webb, 29, has played for Ulster and has Super 14 and NPC rugby experience with the Highlanders and Hawkes Bay.

Former Auckland outside-half James Arlidge, 28, is a Japan cap but was denied a place in their World Cup squad because of a leg fracture last year.

Webb has also represented New Zealand at Sevens level and, like Arlidge, has played club rugby in Japan, turning out for the Toyota side.